Overview
EN ISO 3262-13:2023 (Extenders - Part 13: Natural quartz (ground)) is a CEN-adopted ISO standard that specifies requirements and test methods for ground natural quartz used as an extender (filler) in paints, coatings and related industrial materials. The document replaces EN ISO 3262-13:1998 and provides essential quality criteria (composition, purity and physical properties), sampling rules and laboratory test procedures to demonstrate conformity.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and grades: Defines Grade A and Grade B limits for key composition metrics (notably quartz content and silica (SiO2) content).
- Typical thresholds: high-purity grade (Grade A) and a lower bound grade (Grade B) are specified in the standard.
- Chemical purity: Limits for silica content and other constituents; the silica determination includes provisions for strontium sulfate.
- Physical properties and limits: Requirements and agreed limits for residue on sieves (specified sieve sizes), matter volatile at 105 °C, loss on ignition, matter soluble in water, and pH of aqueous suspension.
- Conditional tests: Optional/contractual tests such as particle size distribution (instrumental laser diffraction per ISO 8130-13), oil absorption, colour/lightness and resistivity of aqueous extract.
- Test methods and procedures: Normative references to established methods (ISO 787 series for general tests, ISO 8130-13 for particle sizing, ISO 15528 for sampling). The standard also contains a laboratory procedure for silica determination using sequential ignition and chemical treatment (sulfuric and hydrofluoric acids) with mass measurements.
- Sampling and reporting: Sampling according to ISO 15528 and mandatory test-report items (product ID, reference to ISO 3262-13:2023, results, deviations, anomalies and test date).
Practical applications and users
- Manufacturers and suppliers of extenders/fillers (ground quartz) who need to specify, certify or control product quality.
- Quality-control and analytical laboratories performing conformity testing for coatings, paints, adhesives, plastics and ceramics.
- Purchasing and specification engineers who require standardized material specifications for formulations and compliance.
- Regulatory bodies and certification schemes that reference standardized test methods and compositional limits.
Keywords: EN ISO 3262-13:2023, natural quartz (ground), extenders, silica content, particle size distribution, ISO 8130-13, ISO 787, sampling, test methods.
Related standards
This standard provides a practical framework for specifying and testing ground natural quartz so suppliers and users can ensure consistent quality and compatibility in industrial formulations.
